Torpedo-launching device.



s. LAKE TOBPEDO LAUNGHING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 13, 1907.

Patented Jun 22, 1909.

B SHEBTSBHEET 2.

s. LAKE.

TORPEDO LAUNCHING DEVIGE.

APPLICATION FILED NOV.13, 1907. v 925 707. Patenfied June 22,1909.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

w E w S. LAKE. TORPEDO LAUNCHING DEVICE. APPLIUATION IILIBD NOV.13, 1907.

925,707. Patented June 22, 1909.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

5* IIIIIIIIII \VI/IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIA S. LAKE.

TORPEDO LAUNOHING DEVICE.

AJPLIQATIDN TILED NOV. 13, 1907.

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UNIT E1.) STATES IHXTE NT OFFICE.

TORPEDO-LAUNCHING DEVICE.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that l, Sniox LAKE, a citizen of the United States, and a. resident of Bridgeport, in the county of [*airiield and State of ('onnecticut, temporarily residing in London, England, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in T01 ed0- LiLUllCllillg Devices, of which the following is n s )eciiication.

'l'he object of this invention is to provide an arrangement for automatically launching automobile or seli-proielling torpedoes 1n any desired direction 1'0111 a submarine or submergible vessel while the vessel is running either wholly or partially submerged.

The invention consists in constructing the vessel with any number of recesses, in each of which is arran ed a combinedsupporting and launching mecninisin that is designed to engage and hold the tail or fins of the torpedo, and which is capable of being turned horizontally on a "ertical axis so as to launch the torpedo in any direction from the sideof the vessel, the said mechanism being so eonstructed that when the forward or nose end of the torpedo is swung outwardly from its recess the propelling mechanism of the torpedo will be first set in motion and then the torpedo released from the support and finally given an outward push from the support which will drive it away from the vessel, whence its run will be continued under its own propeller. By this arrangement there is avoided all possible danger of the tor edo coming into contact with the vessel rom which it is discharged in. case the r0 elling mechanism of the torpedo shouiil Fail to work, so that the vessel may continue its course without danger of any part thereof coming into contact with the torpedo, or deflecting the course, or being affected by the premature discharge of the torpedo.

The invention further consists in providing a door for closing each recess water-ti ht, and means for opening and closing enclu oor from the interior of the vessel, means for holding the torpedoes in the recesses and releusing them after the doors have been opened and water allowed to enter and surround the tor )edocs, and means for pushing the torpet oes out of the recesses, which last mentioned means serve to autonmtically start the o crating mechanism of the tor )edoes and a to actuate mechanism for reeasing Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed November 13, 1907.

Patented June 22, 1909.

Serial No. 402,026.

and ejecting the torpedoes from their supports.

The invent-ion further comprises an arrangement by which the mechanism above stated may be set to automatically operate upon the tor )edo directly the latter has moved through a. predetermined angle when swung from its recess.

The method of launching torpedoes in most submarineboats necessitates the employment of on expulsion tube which is urranged within and projects at one end through the vessel and closed by an outboard cap which is o eruted from within the vessel to open the tu )e prior to the discharge of the torpedo. This method is objectionable in many ways, principally owing to the difficulty of loading the torpedoes into the. tubes, especially should the tubes open below the surface of the water, as it requires very careful handling and a special zip arstus for the purpose, and also its the torpe 00s are inaccessible for the purpose of examination and so forth which is necessar especially after they have been installed in the tubes for any considerable length of time. In later constructions of launching devices the torpedoes have been suspended in frames which are supported exteriorly of and upon the sides of the hull of the vessel, parts 01 the frames being swung outwardly prior to the discharge. of the torpedoes so as to direct the latter in any desired an le. from the vessel. In these constructions t 1e frame work iuid discharging apparatus are constantly exposed zind are objectionable especially in submarine. hosts as thegea-r is liable to dams e from sen-weeds, hidden objects and so fort i, and in addition are difiicult to keep in work ing order as the parts are liable to become strained in a heavy sea-way and therefore rendered inoperable. By my invention, these object-ions are. overcome us will be clearly understood from the following description of my said invention and the accornpanying druwin s illustrutiug the same, throughout which "rswings like parts are similarly designated.

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a submarine or submergible vessel illustrating the position of the pockets or recesses. plan. view of the same showing one of the doors open and one of the torpedoes in position prior to its being launched. Fig. 3 is a.

1* 1g. 2 1s. a.

vertical transverse section drawn on the line 33 of Fig. '2, on a larger scale. 1 lg. 4 Is a detail vertical longitudinal section drawn on f the line 4- --l of Fig. 3. Fig. is a horizontal section through one of the pockets or recesses of the vess'clhnd adjacent parts illustrating the tor )cdo in position to he launched. Fig. 6 is a detail section drawn on the line 6-l5 of Fig. 5, on a larger scale. Fig. 7 is a detail face view of the part shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a detail vertical longitudinal section, on a larger scale, drawn through thesupport lolthe torpedo and the nicrhamsnr earned thereby for automatically releasing and launching the torpedo. Fig. 915 a plan r1ew of parts of the-mechanism shown m h1g S. Fig. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional YR-W drawn on the line l10 of Fig. 9. F 1g. 11 is a detail sectional plan view drawn on the line 11-11 of Fig. 8. Fig. 12 is a detail plan view illustrating the knife blade for severing the wire connecting the propelling mechanism ol the torpedo. Fig. 13 1s a transverse section drawn through one of the pockets and one of the cylinders for opening and closing the door. Fig. 14 is a longitudinal horizontal section of some of the parts shown in Fig. 13 showing the valve for controlling the admission oi air to the cylinder for operatin the doors. Fig. 15 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the cylinders arranged in each end of the recess and the valve employed for controlling the admis-' sion of air to either end of the cylinders to open or close the door. Fig. 16 IS a diagrammatic sectional view illustrating the arran ement for releasing the torpedo and swim g it outward from the recess. Fig. 17 il ustrates diagrammatically in appro vlmate cross-section the arrangement by which the air or other motive flnld is supplied for operating the device. Fig. 18 1s a detached pers ective view illustrating in part the mec anism for locking and releasing the torpedo. Fig. 19 is a sectional elevation of the operating 0 linder shown in F1g. '18. Fig. 20 is a detail p an view, partly 1n sect1on, of part of the releasin mechanism. F1g. 21 is a perspective view i lustratmg the torpedo releasing mechanism.

In the drawings A designates the hull of the submarine or submergible vessel, having a. superstructure B, navigating turret C, conning tower D and sighting instrument E.

At the upper edges, and preferably amidship the superstructure is provided with recesses or )ockcts B, B which are constructed 0 bottom plat-cs Bfivertical walls B which form the backs of the recesses, end

'sections B, B, and top port-ions B all of which are joined together and to the superstructure by water tight jomts.

The recesses or pockets are designed for holding torpedoes, and est-he mechanism 65 for supporting and discharging the torpel does is exactly the same, I will ch-serilm lluconstruction ol'one only.

Mounted in one. end of each recess or pocket [5' is a support (i, Figs. ".2, 4, 5 and 8 to ll. This support con'ipriscs a giinlml ring G having a vertically arranged axis, and a band ll having a horizontal axis in the gimbal ring, and their adjuncts, as I will now descrillc. The gimbal ring has a trunnion 1 extending from its upper side and journaled in a bracket G, Figs. 5, 8 and H), extending from the back of the recess, and a hollow slmf t (1 depending from its lower side in direct vertical alinenientwith the trunnion and the center of the. ring. As shown in Fig. 8, the said shaft is journaled in :1. smiling-box applied to the bottom plate of the recess and extends down into the hull of the. vessel and is connected to a compressed air supply pipe G extending from a compressed air tank (not shovm) located in the. vessel. Apertures g are formed in the sides of the ring G at diametrically opposite points in the horizontal plane of the axis of the ring. The cylindrical band H has rearwardly extending arms H having trunnions h projecting from their outer sides, and these trunnions have bearings in said a rtures g to support the cylindrical band 1. Spiral springs H connect the arms H with arms 72 extending rearwardly from the gimbal ring G so as to hold the band H in asubstantially vertical position and compensate for the weight of the empty band and the parts carried thereby. Since the gimbal ring has a vertical aids, the support is capable of a horizontal axial movement to swin the torpedo outward, and since the band 185 a horizontal axis in the 'mbal ril it may be said't-hat the support a so is caps. is of a vertical axial movement, so that the projected torpedo may rise and fall with the water or vessel. The springs H serve to hold up the empty hand and thus retain it in position to be returned into the recess after a torpedo 110 has been launched.

I designates a'cylinder supported centrally within the band H, by arms I that are formed integral with the cylinder and which are connected to the inner surfaces of the 1 band H. Within the cylinder is apiston I, the rod 1 of which projects through both heads of the cylinder and has its forward end terminatin in a flat head I which is designed to hutt against the tail of the 120 torpedo when the piston is moved forward in the'cylinder so as to push the torpedo from its support when released, and thus serves as an initial propeller auxiliary to the torpedos propeller for starting the torpedo 12 on its wa.

Pivota ly connected to the band H are clamping arms J, J, arranged at diametrically opposite points in the vertical plane of the axis of the band. These clamping arms are ivoted hot when their ends.

notes of thrl'orwnrd portions of sold vlump ing arms on: groovm of tho tail of tho lorpvdo and i-xlvnd substuntiully the full length of lllU lins.

Lo iii Ibo vorlh-nl lins which (axiom Extending across the gIUUVlS of the arms are. lugs j, which lit recesses forn'iod in lho edges of the fins rind SNW' to look tho torpedo 1n position.

H and terminate in inwardly beveled nost- 'llm inner surprojwt-s into nrnsing ll" int-orposml in tinslmll. and its ll|)[|l'l rod is ollgn 'ml by thilowor bow-Ind sin-limo of an usri Idling arm ti" on tluuppi-r ('Ihl of :1 Wk shall (i into the mising and is journulml in a stulling box plujt'tlillg from thicasing, and at its lower end in an arm (5 souulml to tho shalt. A trip lrvvr G" is svi curvd to tho rock slur-ft adjacent to its lowvr The oppositiends of the clamping urnis extend beyond tho roar edge of the band ortions which are engaged by the outer; evelrd ends of looking dogs h, h pivoted intermei'liztte their L ngth in cars k projecting from tllO'l'tlll' head of the cylinder I and at their opposite ends the dogs are ongaged by a head 'ilorined lipfln the inner end of the piston rod I. ntorposed be.- tween the piston and the forward head of the cylinder is a spring I to prevent the acriclental forward movement of the piston which would disengage the dogs from the clamping arms and thereby release the torpedo. he

ring G n'ovided with an aperture pipe or hose section L which extends to and communicates with a. port 1 formed in a cylinder 1- cast integral with the cylinder I and preferably smaller in diameter than the lat ter cylinder. Operating in the cylinder I is a. piston I the rod of which extends through the rear end of its cylinder and through the upper locking dog K and has its outer end connrcted to a lever M which is pivotally held at its lower end to the head i of the piston rod I and to its opposite end is connected :1 wire loop 111 which straddles a knife blade m arranged upon the rear edge of the band H. To this loop is connected a trip wire in whose opposit-v end is (:omwcted to the tripping or starting lever m controlling the propPlling mechanism of the torpedo. Between the cylinders the casting is provided with a port Z the inlet 9nd of which is closed by the piston I when the latter is in its normal posit-ion, and its outletend is arranged adjacent to the rear head of the cylinder and back of the piston I, so that when air is admitted to the cvlinder I thoiston will he moved forwardly to bring the lead at the forward end of the rod into engagement with the tail of the torpedo as will be fully sot forth in the description of the operation of the device.

As beforest-nted, the inner end of the shaft (i extends through the hull of the vesso] and is connected to n. valve casing G" which is swivelvd to tho air supply pipe (3. A valve G is arranged in the casing and is normally held to its seatby a spring g as shown. The stem of the valve extends up wardly through a section of the shaftand 0nd, and at its outer i-nd said trip-lover is pruvidrd with urol'ituvting nose portion whirh projvcts ovor iho side of the arm G" and is :ulnptod for ongug mont with a. contact hlook G zuljustn-hly carried by a quadrant G surrounding tho lower end of the shaft and souurvd to the hull of the vossvl. 'lhr quadrant is providvd with a. scallrang" ing from 20 dvgrors to 140 drgreos and tho Contact hlock is designed to ho sot so as to discharge the torpedo at any )Ullil directly the latter has moved through a. predetermined angle. The quadrant is provided with a. slot t-lllt'fllgll which extends a clamping screw carried by the block G by which tho block may be clamped at any point u pun the quadrant. which registers With the hollow shaft G rind extending from the aperture 1s a flexible;

Referring to Figs. 4, 5, 6, 7 and 1.6, there is arrangod in theu iper inner corner of each recess B a. cylini or N having a, piston N fit the bod of the torpedo.

operating therein, the rod N of which projects through both heads of the cylinder and has its vnds operating through pPI'fO- rated ears or lugs n Fig. 5, demending from the to of the recess, and also operating througi the roar porfornted ends of locking arms 0, Fig. 6, which are pivoted intermediatetheir ends between ears -n' depending from said top adjacent to its outer edge. The forward ends of the locking arms 0 are concave upon their lower surfaces and snu ly One end of t 1e rod N" is bent back upon itself to rovide a short hook, Fig. 16, the end of whic 1 extends through the adjacent lug and levers from the side opposite the piston thereby permitting the withdrawal of the ends of the rod from the lugs to release the locking arms atone movement of the piston.

The piston is normally held at one end of the cylinder by n 5 )ring N and is moved to the oppositeend in means of compressed air conducted through a port adjacent. to the end of the'cylinder and a. pipe N connected thereto which extends from a suitable supply tank (not shown) arrnn ed within the vessel. A valve N contra s the admission of air to the cylinder and the casing is provided with an extension u 1011 which are stamped the letters [1 am "R designating respectively locked and released and which indicate to the attendantthe condition of the looking arms. It will be readily understood that when the valve lever is thrownlease. the locking arms. When the piston is held under tension of the spring N as in Fig. 16, it covers an exhaust port 0 in the cylinder, and this exhaust port opens into it pipe 0' which is connected to one end of n rylini er 1 in which operates a piston l" whose rod 1 has its outer end transversely slotted to receiveupin carried at the outer end of ncrank arm I. projecting from a rock shaft P, Fig. 4, journaled in and projecting through the bot tom B of the recess and which carries an arm l" at its upper end whose free end has an upright portion 1 which normally ongages the body of the torpedo forward of its center and serves to pus 1 or swing the torpedo outwardly prior to its being released and launched. A flat spring P serves to return the arm I" to its normal position. this arrangement it will be readily seen that as the valve N is 0)GIitt(l to admit air to the cvlinder N the locking arms 0 will he first released and bv the movement of the piston the port 0 will be uncovered when the air will pass into the cylinder P and operating upon the piston P will cause the rockshaft P" to rock and the :n'nrP to swing around and push or swing the forward end of the torpedo out of the recess. The inner ends of the lockin arms are forced downwardly by means 0 springs 0, and their extreme ends are provided with upward extensions which are designed to close the apertures in the lugs n to revent the s )ring N pushing the piston and rod forwari 1y when the port 0 is uncovered and the pressure 111 the cylinder is reduced, thereby assuring a. free assage of air to the cylinder P the piston of w rich operates to swing the torpe 0 out of the recess.

Hinged to thesides of the su )elstIUClZUIG at the lower edge of each recess is a. door Q which is designed to close the recess B and each has its edges lined with rubber or other suitable material to render the recess water tight. In order to open and clpse the doors I employ. the fOHOWlllg'mBClIiLIIISIHZ Journaled in each end of each recess is tt cylinder R in the sides of which are arranged ports 1, 1' that extend in opposite directions to the opposite ends of the cylinders and communicate with the inner ends of hollow trunnions It and R. The trunnion It of each cylinder projects through the adjacent end wall of the recess and is swiveled to the end of a compressed air supply pipe 1 extending from it two-way valve 2 to which is connected it supply pipe 3 extending from :1. com vmessed oir tank (not shown) iii-ranged in the hull of the vessel. The opposite trunnion R of each cylinder is swlveled to one end of an elbow pipe Swhich projects through the bottom or back of the recess, and its op posite end is connected by 8. pi iefi withn port of the two-way valve 2. *Vorkmg in the cylinders are pistons R the rods R of which extend through the outer ends of the cylinders and are pivutnllv connected at their extreme ends to iirnclwls It extending from the door Q. ll this arrangement. a single vnlve 2 may be used to control both cylinders in each recess to wise or lower the door. The rear ends of the cylinders c. tend through openings formed in the heck of the recess and are incnsed in it housing It". The valve- .2 is nrrnnged within the vessel at any convenient place to be within easy reach of the operator and in order to enable the operator to determine the position of the door, I provide the valve cusing with an extension upon which is stamped the letters "O" and C desigmiting Open and i Closed.

The operation of the mechanism in each recess is as follows: The torpedo is lowered into the recess and locked in position by the locking arms 0, the tail is securely clamped between the arms J, J and the tripping or starting or releasing lever m of the torpedo is connected to the lever M by means of the wire m as shown. The door Q is then securely fastened in its closed posit-ion. 'VVhen the enemy is sighted and it is desired to discharge the torpedo from either side of the vessel, the valve 2 is turned to admit air into the rear ends of the cylinders R which will push out their pistons and swing the door diately the oor is opened water enters the recess and surrounds the torpedo which, however, is held in position by means of the arms 0. When the most advantageous pointfrom which to dischalge the torpedo is reached, the valve N is opened to admit air to the cylinder N to first release the locking arms 0, and imln ediatel after the levers are released the port 0' will be uncovered to admit air to the cylinder P and thereby o era-to its piston and thereby the rock-shaft and so move the arm P to swing the forward end of the torpedo outwardly from the vessel. Prior to this operation the tripping block G has been pro erly setuponthe quadrant, and as the she t- G" of the sup )ort is swung around by the movement of t e torpedo, the tripping lever G is brought into eng eme-nt with the tripping block and the val ve G- will be opened and air will immediately rush throu h the shaft and flexible hose section into t to cylinder 1'' which will actuate the piston I and through it the lever M, wire m and the starting mechanism 'Inof the torpedo and start the propellers, after which one end of the'loop of the wire is brought into engagementwith the knife blade m which severs the wire and frees that end carried by the torpedo. Immediately the. piston I has opened the inlet end of the. port of the passsa-gewa Z, air will rush into the rear end of the cylinder I and project its piston 1, thereby actuating the locking dogs to reupon its hin es to its open position. lnnnelease the clamping levers J, and by a continued movement. of the piston head I at its forward end will strike the torpedo and forcibly expel or discharge it from the support and away from the vessel, when it. will eontinuo its progress under its own propulsive medium.

\Vheu the torpedo has been discharged the attendant grasps the handle 9 of the shaft U and turns the support hack into its recess B, the valve 2 is than reversed to conduct the compressed air to the forwardends of the cylinders it which will move the pistons to the opposite ends of the cylinders and close the doors.

in order to prevent accidental displacement of the locking dogs K, K, and to hold them in engagement with the levels J, J, I provide the dogs K and ours is with register- I mg apertures to receive wooden pins K",

Fig. 21, which will lock the dogs in position, hut which, by the movement of the piston I will be severed or broken and the edges allowed to be pushed from engagement with 1 the lovers.

What I claim is:

1. A torpedo launching apparatus, comprising a support adapted to hold the torpedo by its tail and arranged to permit vertical and horizontal movements of the torpedo f while engaged by the support, means for swinging the torpedo and support horizontally upon the vertical axisoi thesupport, and means actuated by the swin ing movement of the support for releasing t to torpedo, and

means similarly actuated and auxiliary to;

the torpedos propeller for ejecting it from the said support.

2. A torpedo launching apparatus, comprising a support adapted to hold the torpedo b its tail and arranged to permit vertical amlhorizontal movements of the torpedo while so held, means to side-hold the torpedo in its support against horizontal swinging movement, means for releasing the side-hold on the torpedo and swinging it and its support horizontally upon the vertical axis of the support, means actuated by the swinging movement of the support for releasing the torpedo from the support, and means similarly actuated and auxiliary to the torpedos propeller for ejecting it from the support.

3. A torpedo launching apparatus, comprising a support adapted to hold the t-orpedo by its tail and arranged to permit verti- 1 cal and horizontal movementsof the torpedo while so held, means to side-hold the torpedo in its support against horizontal 5 swin ing movement, means for releasing the sideold on the torpedo and swinging it and its support horizontally upon the vertical axis of the support, means actuated by the swinging movement of the support for releasing the torpedo from the support, means similarly actuated and auxiliary to the tor- I pedos propeller for ejecting it from the sup- 5 port. and means for effecting the release at i any prmleterlninml nngle oi the horizontal I movement.

A torpedo hunmhing apparatus, coml prising a support engaging the rear end of the torpedo and adapted to permit vertical and 2 horizontal movements of the torpedo, means for swinging the support and the forward end of the torpedo horizontally upon the vertical axis of the support, means for automatically releasing the torpedo from the support operating directly the tor )edo has moved through I aprcdeternnned angle, and automatic means similarly actuated and auxiliary to the torpedos propeller for ejecting the torpedo from its support. A torpedo launching apparatus, com-- prlsnig a support having vertical and horizontal axes, means carried by the support [or iholding the tail of the torpedo, means for Q swinging the forward end of the torpedo and the support n 3011 the vertical axis of the support, means or releasing the torpedo, and 5 means auxiliary to the torpedos propeller l'or ejecting the torpedo from the support, I both which last-named means acting auto- ;matically directly the torpedo has moved through a predetermined angle.

A torpedo launching apparatus, com- 5 prlsmg a support having vertical and hori- -zontal ages, means carried by the support for engagmg the tail of the torpedo, means for swmgmg the forward end of the torpedo and the support upon the vertical axis of the said support, means for holding the tor edo against such movement, releasing mecanism for such. holding means, and means connected with the su )port for automatically releasing the torpedo and ejecting it from the su )port directly the torpedo has moved througi a predetermined angle.

:7. A torpedo launching apparatus, comprising a support adapted to swing horizontal y on a. vertical axis, means carried by the support for engaging and holding the tail of the torpedo, means carried by the support for first releasing the holdin means and then ejecting the torpedo from te support, and means automatically operated by the movement of the support for supplyin up ope-rating medium to the releasing and 5 e ectlng means.

I 8., A torpedo launching apparatus comprising a suport having a vertical axis, means carrier )y the support for holding the tail of the torpedo, means connecting the 5 starting lover of the. torpedo propellin r mechanism with the support, and a series 0 means automatically operated by the axial 5 movement of the support for first operating 5 the starting lever, then releasing the hold ng means for the torpedo and finally ejecting i the torpedmfrom the support.

1 9. A torpedo launching apparatus, comprisin a support having vertical and horizonta axes. means carried by the support for engagement with the tail of the torpcdo, means for swinging the forward end of the torpedo and the support upon the vcrtrcul axis of the said support, means for releasing the holding means and ejecting the torpedo from the support, and means set in motion by the horizontal moverneut of the support for supplying a power medium to the releasing and e ecting means.

10. A torpedo launching apparatus, comprising a support. having vertical and horizontal axes, means for holding the tail of the I torpedo in the support, means for swinging the torpedo outwardly upon the vertical unis of the said support, and a cooperating series of means operable through the said tor )edo swinging means first to release the prop ling mechanism of the torpedo, then to release the holding means, and finally to e ect the torpedo from the support when the latter has moved through a predetermined angle.

11. A torpedo launching apparatus, cornprising a support having vertical and horlzontal axes, means for holding the tail of the.

torpedo in the support, means for swinging 5 the torpedo outwardly upon the vertical axis of the said support, a cooperating series of i means operabe through the said tor edo swinging means first to release the prope ling mechanism of the torpedo, then to release the holding means, and finally to eject the torpedo from the support when the latter has moved through a predetermined angle, and

means for determining the point at which the aforesaid operations upon the torpedo take place.

I2. A torpedo launching apparatus, comprising a support, clamping arms carried thereby and adapted to engage the vertical fins of the tail of the torpedo, means for swinging the forward end of the torpedo in a horizontal plane through a predetermined angle, pneumatically o crating means for re- I leasing and ejecting t e torpedo from the support when the torpedo has reached a certam point of its movement, and means for determining the point at which the torpedo is released and launched.

13. A torpedo launching apparatus, comprising a support having clamping arms,

pivotally connected thereto andadapted to old the torpedo in the support, means for holding the arms in engagement with the torpedo, pneumatic-ally operated means for swingin the torpedo outwardly in a horizontal irection, and means operable from the movement of the torpedo swinging means for controlling an operating medium to release the clamping arms and forcibly eject the to edo from the support.

14. l torpedo launching apparatus, comprisin a support having vertical and horizont-a axes, clamping arms carried by the swinging the torpedo outwardly in a hori- :1

zontal plane, automatically operated means auxiliary to the torpcdos propellor for forcihly ejecting the torpedo from the support idirectly the said torpedo has been moved through a predetermined angle, and menus for governing the oint so as to expel the torpedo in a given irectirm.

16. The combination with a vessel, having a recess or pocket in the side thereof, of a sup ort journaled in the pocket. and adapted for iolding the tail of a torpedo, means for swinging a. torpedo outwardly and turning the support upon its axis, and means operable through and by the movement of the j means for swinging the torpedo and support i to release the torpedo and including mechanf ism carried by the vessel and independentof the torpedos propeller to eject said torpedo E from the support.

17. The combination with a torpedo boat, having arecess in the side t-hereo of a closure for the recess, means for opening and i closing the closure, a support journaled in the end of the recess adapted for holding one end of a torpedo, means for transversely holding the tor edo within the recess, means j for releasing t e holding means, means for swinging the torpedo outwardly upon the axis of the support, and means for releasing and forcibly e ecting the torpedo from the supportdirectly the torpedo has moi'ed through a predetermined angle. 1 18. The combinationwith a submergible vessel, having a. recess in the side thereof, of i a support havin vertical and horizontal axes g and adapted for holding the end of a torpedo, arms pivoted within the recess for transversely holding the torpedo therein, means I for operating said arms to release the torpedo, means for swinging the free end of the torpedo out of the recess in a horizontal plane, and means operable through the movement of the support imparted by the torpedo for releasing and forcibly ejecting the torpedo from the said support.

19. The combination with a submergihle vessel, having a recess or pocketin the side thereof, of a. gimbal ring journaled in one end 3 thereof and ada ted to rotate upon a vertil'cal axis, a hand ournaled horizontally in the gimhal ring, means carried by the hand for holding the end of a torpedo, menus for the recess upon the vertirnl axis ol the :Ilill- I hid ring, moons independent of the torpedo and operable througi the torpedo swinging means to release and forcibly eject the torpedo from the vessel, 1: rlosnru for the said prior to the operations upon the torpedo.

20. 'l he combination with a suhmergible a support adapted to swing lu'n'izontally on a- 1 vertical axis, arms carried by the support to ei'lgnge the tail of aturpedo, arms to engage the body of the torpedo to hold the torpedo ing the lateral holding arms, means for swinging the torpedo out of the recess, and means t' or releasing the tail holding arms and includthe support.

21. The combination with a suhmergihle vessel, having a recess or pocket in the side thereof and opening outward tl'irough the hull of the vessel and which is adapted. to hold a torpedo, of ii support journaled in one and of the recess for engagement with the axes, rlmupine; arms rnrriod by the support 2 and engaging llutail of the torpedo, dogs for swinging the free end of the torpedo ulll. ol

holding the arms in emxngmnonl with the torpedo, pneunmtirnlly operated moons lol stringin the torpedo outwardly from the rewas upon the verlirul axis of the support, pneninntirnllv operated muons l'or engagef ment with the dogs to release the clamping recess, and means for opening the rlosure arms and for ejecting the. torpedo from the vessel, sand means being automatically oper- :ited through the movement of the support vessel, having arecess in the side thereol, of

on its vertiral axis, and i'nenns l'or determining, the point of release.

24. The combination with n submergihle vessel, having u recess in the side thereof which is adapted for holding a. torpedo, of n laterally within the recess, means for releas- 1 door hinged to the lower edge of the recess for engagement with the bod; of the torpedo to hold it. in position when the vessel is subing mechanism for pushing the torpedo from merged and the door is opened, rlmnping arms for engagement with the tail of the torpedo, a hand to which the clam )ing arms are pivoted, n gimhal ring ndapte for horizontal nnwenientupon a vertical axis and to which the said hand is ournnled, means for ing the torpedo in the support, means for l locking the arms in their clamped position, means for turning the support upon its journal and swinging the torpedo outof the reoess, means for releasing the locking means means for turning the support upon its ournal and swinging the torpedo out of the recess, means for releasing the locking means of the clamping arms when the torpedo has been moved through a predetermined angle, means for adjusting this angle norm-ding to the direction to be given to the torpedo, and means auxiliary to the torpedo's propeller for forcibly ejecting the torpedo from its support.

23. The combination with u suhmergihlo vessel, having a. recess or pocket in the side thereof which is adapted for holding a torpedo, of arms pivoted within the recess for en ngement with the body of the torpedo to hold it in position when the vessel is submerged, a su iportarranged at one end of the recess and mving vertical and horizontal holding the clamping arms in position, 3 e 'l inder having apiston hose rod is adapted lftll of the torpedo, clamping arms for holdto engage. the looking menus of the clamping arms and the tail of the torpedo, and means l'or swinging the torpedo out of the recess and whose movement automatically admits an operating mednnn to the piston to release ;the (-hunpinp arms and eject the torpedo of the chunping arms when the torpedo has from the vessel when the said torpedo has been moved through a predetermined angle.

25. The combination with a submergihle vessel, having a reeess in the side thereof, of a door for the recess, means controlled from within the vessel to open and close the door, arms or holding a torpedo within the reress in position when the vessel is submerged and the door is opened, means for moving the torpedo out of the recess when the arms are released, a. support [or the tail end of the torpedo. and means carried by the support and operable through the movement of the torpedo for releasing the hold upon the tail of the torpedo and ejecting itfrom the vessel when the torpedo has been moved through a predetermined angle.

26. The combination with a snhmergihle ,vessel, having a. recess in the side thereof the support, a piston operating therein the rod of which ext-ends through the. ends of the cylinder, one end of the rod being adapted to engage the torpedo and the other end for engagement with the means to release the torpedo from the support, and pneumatically operated means for moving the torpedo out of the recess when the arms engaging the body then-01' lHLYI' been released, the suid torpedo umvingnlonns serving to turn the.

Supportupon itsuxis and thereby nuluumli c ally admit an operating lllt'tllulil to the said f cylinder to release and cgcrt the lorpcdo from the vessel.

27. The combination with :1- suluncrgihlo vessel, having it recess in'thc side thereof,

of a door for the recess, means for open-i ing and closing the door, a gunbol rnigf journnlcd in one end of the recess upon a vertical axis, a, hand having a horizontal axis, clamping arms carried by the hand and adapted to engage the tail of the torpedo,

locking dogs engaging the arms for holding their forward ends in engagement with the torpedo, a cylinder carried by said band and i having a piston whose rod projects through both ends of the cylinder and having one end 5 adapted to engage the torpedo and its opposite end to engage the dogs to release the clamping arms, an arm to swing the forward end of the torpedo from the said recess, and

means operable through the movement of the gimbal ring to admit the power medium to the cylinder to push the piston forwardly therein to release the arms and ejectthe torpedo.

28. The combination with a subn'iergible vessel, having a recess 1n its side, of a. door I for recess, means for opening and closing the door, a support arranged in one end of the recess and adapted to hold a torpedo, arms engaging the torpedo to hold itin position 4 within the recess when the boat is submerged and the door is opened, means for releasing the arms, means for swinging the torpedo out of the recess and turning the said support, and means actuated by such swinging movement for releasing the torpedo from the support and forcibly ejecting the torpedo from the vessel alter the torpedo has been moved through a predetermil'ied angle.

29. The combination with a submergible vessel, having a. recess in the side thereof, of a door for the recess, a gimhal ring journaled in one end of the recess and adapted to turn horizontal] Y on a vertical axis, aband journaled in t e imbal ring and adapted to swing vertically upon a. horizontal axis, clamping arms pivoted to the hand for engagement with the torpedo, locking dogs for engagement with the clamping arms, a cylin er carried by the bond and having 0. piston whose rod projects through both heads of the cylinder, a second 0 lindcr formed integral with the first mentioned cylinder and havinga ortwhich opens into the first mentioned-0y inder, means forsupplying airumler pressure to the second mentioned cylinder to operate upon the piston to openthe port leading to the first cylinder, means operable by the movement of the piston in the second g c 'linder for starting rim-propelling mechanism ol' the torpedo, moans operated In the mow-mom of llu' girnlml ring for mnltl'irllltlg the admission of ill! in the qvlindm's, and means for swinging the torpedo out of the recess in turn [he said gimlml ring.

30. The trumlilllalllull with u suluucrgihlc \-csscl. having a recess ul' pocket in tlio side thereof, of u gimluil ring journuled in vertically arranged hearings and adapted to turn thereon, a lnmd jourmdcd in the gimlml ring, it cylinder carried by the hand and having a piston whose rod projects through both ends of the cylinder, on urn! for swinging the torpedo out of the recess and turning the gimhe] ring upon its axis, menus for operating the said arm, means for supplying air under pressure to the cylinder, :1, valve controlling the supply of air, and means operated by the movement ol' the gimlnd ring for opening the valve.

31. The combination with a submergible vessel, having a recess in the side thereof, of at door for the recess, pneuumtic ressure E cylinders and pistons to open and c ose the door, pipes for conducting an to each end of the cy indcis, :1 valve for controlling the supply of air to either end of the cylinders, a j turning support arranged in the recess and ndapted to hold a torpedo, an arm for swingmg the torpedo out of the recess upon the 1 axis of the support, means carried by the 5 support to release and project the tor edo from the vessel when the torpedo has con i moved through a, predetermined an 1e, and means for autonmtically sup lying t ieoperating medium to the said re casing and project-ing means.

32. A submergible vessel havin a. superstructure, a recess formed in t e superstructure, a door for the recess, pneumatic 3 pressure cylinders having pistons [Hld journoled in the ends of the recess upon hollow posite ends of the cylinders, pipes connected to the trunnion, a. valve for controlling the admission of air to either end of the cylinders, a support arranged upon a vertical axis in the recess for hold' the end of a torpedo, means for swinging ifiie torpedo out of the recess upon the axis of the support, 1 and means for releasing and projectin the tor edo' from the vessel when the sai torpc(o has been moved through a predetermined angle.

33. A sulnner ible vessel having a. superstructure. a. poc-het or recess formed in the side thereof, a. door for the recess, means for opening and closing the door, an arm arranged in the recess and adapted for on agement with the torpedo, a. support for ho ding the end of the. torpedo, a. pncunmtic pressure cylinder for operating the said arm, a. pneumntic pressure 0 linder and piston for expelling the torpe o from the support, means for supplying air under pressure to the armoperating; cylinder, and means for automatically admitting air to the torpedo-expelling cylinder.

34. A sulnncrgible vessel, having a superstructure, a recess formed in the superstructure, an arm jl)lllli:'tl(:(l in the recess and means carried. by the support for holding the tail of a torpedo. a cylinder having a piston whose rod is adapted to release the torpedo holding means. and means for admitting air under pressure to the cylinder of the support to release and expel the tor pcdo from the vessel when the torpedo 1S moved out of the recess.

A suhmerihle vessel l 'ing a superstructure, a poc 'et or recess rmed in the superstructure, arms for holdmga torpedo in position within the recess, a cylinder having a piston whose rod pro eets through both ends of the cylinder and engages said arms to hold them in a locked position, a valve controlled pi for supplying air under pressure to the cy inder, an arm journaled in the said recess and capable of a horizontal swinging movement, a crank arm extending from the journal of the horizontally swinging arm, a cylinder having a piston whose rod is connected to the crank arm. an exhaust port in the first mentioned cylinder which is conneet-ed to an inlet portof the second mentioned cylinder, a. turning support engaging the tail of the torpedo, pneumatically operated means carried by the support for releasing the torpedo, and means operable by the movement of the support for controlling the admission of air to the said pneumatically operated means.

36. A suhmergible vessel having a superstructure, which is provided with a recess, arms pivoted in the recess for holding a tor- .edo, a cylinder having a piston whose rod is adapted to engage the said arms to hold them in engagement with the torpedo, a valve controlled pipe for su plying air under pressure to the said cylim er, an arm journaled in the lower side of the recess upon a vertically arranged shaft, a cylinder having a piston whose rod is connected to a crank arm extending from the said shaft, 11 pipe ext-ending from an exhaust.- port arranged in the first mentioned cylinder and which is in advance of the normal position of the said piston and extends to an inlet port of the second mentioned piston, whereby when the first mentioned piston is o erated to release the lockin arms air will he admitted to the second cv linder to operate the swinging arm to push t e torpedo out of the recess, a support for the tail of the lOI'IKN'lu, means carried by the support. for releasing and projecting the terpedo from the vessel, and menus for mmllnlling the supply of air to the torpinlo-relensing means.

37. A suhmergihle vessel, having a superstructure the side of which is provided with a re(.-i,-ss or pocket, a ginihal ring journaled in the recess or pocket and adapted to turn horizontally. a hand pivoted to the ring and having rcarwardly extending arms, a spring connecting said arms with arms extending from the ring, a cylinder carried by the hand and having a piston whose rod extends through both heads of the cylinder, 11 cylinder formed integral with the 'lirst mentioned cylinder, a port connecting both cylinders, a lever pivoted to one end of the piston rod of the second mentioned cylinder and connect.- ed with the starter of the to rpedos propelling mechanism, clam wing arms pivoted to the hand and adapted to engage the tail of the tor edo, kicking dogs for engaging the other our. s of the arms, and means for controlling the admission of compressed air to the second mentioned cylinder for the urpose set forth.

38. A submeigihle vessel: having a superstructure the side of which is provided with a recess, a. door for recess, means for opening and closing the door, a supportburnaled in one end of the recess and adapter to hold the tail of a torpedo, said support comprising a gimbal ring having a trunnion at its upper side and ahollow shaft extending from its underside in vertical alinement with the axis of the ring, a hand journaled in the ring upon trunnions arranged in horizontal aliuementwith the axis of the ring, a cylinder carried by the hand and having a piston rod operating therein, clamping arms pivoted to the hand and adapted to engage the tail of the torpedo, locking dogs for engagement with the opposite ends of the said arms, a releasing lever pivoted to the piston rod and having a wire extending therefrom which is connected to the starting lever of the torpedo propelling mechanism, a second cylinder formed integral with the first cylinder and having an exhaust port.- which communicates with the first cylinder, a piston operating in the said cylinder the rod of which is connected to the releasing lever, a valve controlling the inlet to the lower end of the gimhal ring shaft, a rock shaft having an arm at each end one of which is adapted to engage the stem of the valve, a segment. arranged adjacent to the shaft, a stop block ad justnhlv carried hy the segmentand adapted to engage. the arm at the opposite end of the rock shaft. and means for swinging the torpedo out of the recess and thereby turning the gimbal ring upon its axis to open the valve and admit air under pressure to the second cylinder.

39. A suhmergible vessel, having a superstructure, a recess or pocket formed therein,

a door for the recess, means for opening and closin the door, a su )port arranged in one end 0 the recess an adapted for hold ng the torpedo, said support comprising a mbal rin havin a vertical axis, a hollow s raft coaxia with t e gimbal ring and extending downwardly into the hull of the vessel, a band journaled in beatings arranged in horizontal alinement with the axis of the rin clamping arms carried b the band for e agement with the tail 0 the torpedo, loo g dogs for engagement with thepgpbosite ends of the arms, a cylinder carrie y the band and having a (piston whose rod extends through bot en a of the cylinder and terminates at each end in a head, a lever pivoted to one end of the rod, 8. wire connecting the opposite end of the lever with the torpedo starting mechanism, a cylinder formed inte al with the first mentioned cylinder, a piston operating therem and normally arranged over a port that communicates with the adjacent cyl1nder, a rod extending from the said piston and connected to the said lever a valve arranged at the inner end of the hollow shaft, a rock shaft having an arm which engages the stem of the valve, a second arm extending from the rock shaft, a segment having a stop block which is adapted to engage the second arm, a ipe for snppllying air under pressure to the ho ow shaft w en the valve is opened, and means for swinging the to edo within the recess whereby the valve wi be 0 ened and the torpedo released and projecte from the vessel. 40. A submergihle vessel, having a superstructure provided with a recess, a door for the recess, means for opening and closing the door, arms for holding a torpedo in the recess, means for releasin the arms, a su port arra edin one end 0 the recess and aptedto hol the tail of the torpedo, said support comprising a gimbal rin having vertically arranged 1onrnals me 0 which is a hollow shaft and extends into the vessel, a compressed air suppl pi e connected to the inner end of sai ho ow journal, a band horizontally 'oumaled in said gimbal ring, arms pivo to the band and adapted to engage the tail of the torpedo, locking dogs e aging the opposite ends of the arms, 0. cy inder comiected to the band, a iston operatin thereinand havi its 1' projecting t rough both ends 2? the cylinder, one end engaging the dogs and the op osite end engag' the torpedo, a second cy inder cast intcgra with the first cylinder, 9. port establishing communication between the cylinders, a iston operating in the second 0 linder an having its rod extending t ough the rear end thereof, a lever pivoted at one end of the piston rod of the first mentioned cylinder and intermediate its ends to the piston rod extending from the second mentioned cylinder, a wire connecting the lever with the torpedo starting mechanism, a flexible pipe extending from the hollow journal to an inlet port formed in the second mentioned cylinder, a valve controlling the irmer end of the hollow journal, a segment surrounding the hollow shaft, a stop block adjustably carried by the segment, a rock shaft having an arm at its lower end which is adapted to engage the stop block and an arm beveled on its lower surface to engage the stem of the valve, and means for moving the torpedo out of the recess, whereby at a predetermined point of its movement, the valve will be opened and air admitted to the cylinders to first release the starting mechamsm of the torpedo, then release the torpedo and finally eject it from the su port.

In testimony whereof I have ereunto set my hand this 30 day of October A. D. 1907.

SIMON LAKE.

Witnesses:

M. D. BLONDEL,

H. D. J MIESON. 

